Cross Country officially started in the state of Ohio in 1928. The distance of 2 1/2 miles was run until 1930 when it was changed to 2 miles. Because of limited participation, all schools ran in the same race at the state meet. In the early sixties, many schools added cross country as a conditioning program for other sports like basketball and wrestling. As the numbers increased, the need for two races became apparent. In 1966, the state meet split into Class A and Class AA races. (1966 was the year coach Windom ran on the Class A state championship team). Once the state meet was expanded, there was an explosion of schools adding cross country to their athletic programs. In 1970, Three classes A, AA, and AAA were run at the state meet. (That was Lakota's year to win a state title). 1976 saw the distance changed back to 2 1/2 miles. Then in 1982 the distance was finally changed to its present length of 3.1 miles (or 5 K). The state made one more change in 1989 when cross country classes were eliminated and three divisions were added.

Lakota Cross Country was started in 1966 as an effort to develop distance runners for track. Athletes were invited to try cross country not knowing what they were getting into. It did not take long for this new sport to develop its own identity. This first team of Rennie Miarer, Bill Stewart, Scott Chaney, Roger Wise, Lauren Sander, Steve Harpster and Ed Ginnever established of positive course. Little did these first members realize they were laying foundation stones for the future of Lakota cross country. Standards of hard work, excellence and fun were entrenched and have continued though out the years. That first season the team went 7 - 4, won the Class A District meet and finished 6th in the state. Lakota quickly established itself as a well known cross country power in the state. In 1970, the team of Rex Brockschmidt, Jeff Gabel, Leo Garcia, Scott Grader, Rob Minoz, Don Gonya, Gerard Gabel and Fred Garcia, brought home the covenanted state championship trophy. From its beginning, cross country has been the most successful programs at Lakota. Year after year, Lakota runners dominated cross country winning numerous titles. Year after year, athletes would step forward to keep the tradition going.

It is difficult to talk about the history of cross country, without mentioning Myron Cline. Myron was elected to the Ohio Hall of Fame for his success as a coach. Myron was instrumental in establishing cross country as a positive force in the lives of young people. His ability to motivate runners to excel was a hall mark of his coaching. Myron retired after the 1987 season, yet his imprint will always be felt by Lakota runners.

As you read the following lists of records and past accomplishments, you will gain a sense of the outstanding achievements Lakota cross country has made. Also, you will gain a respect for the rich heritage of those who have run before you . I hope you will determine to live up to those past traditions as you are the one who now represents the blue and white of Lakota.

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